Trampolines help in fighting widening problem of obesity

Trampolines are well known as a useful tool in the fight against obesity. Trampolines are fun to use, making exercise enjoyable, as well as providing a very efficient form of exercise. Obesity has emerged as one of the biggest public policy challenges facing the UK and nowhere is the problem greater than in Scotland

Figures produced recently by the Scottish Public Health Observatory show that 28.1% of Scottish women and 26.6% of Scottish men are classified as obese, based on 2010 data. This compares with 23.9% of all UK women and 22.1% of UK men according to 2009 data from the OECD. In total 27% of Scottish adults were obese and 65% overweight measured by Body Mass Index, and 15% of children.

The significance of these figures becomes apparent when you consider this represents more than 1 million adults and 150,000 children. Based on current projections the adult obesity rate is expected to hit 40% by 2030!

Although lower than Scotland’s rate, the UK as a whole has the highest levels of obesity in Europe, with one in four UK adults classed as obese. According to the OECD projections, UK obesity rates are likely to increase by up to 10% between 2010 and 2020. The implications for personal health due to higher levels of obesity include diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes and cancer, leading to additional costs for the NHS of an estimated £2bn each year.

Although the worst in Europe, obesity in Britain is still lower than in the USA, where 33.8% of people were obese in 2008, according to the OECD.

Atlantic Trampolines promote trampolines as a great way to keep fit, as well as having fun, and trampolining has been cited as one of the most efficient forms of exercise by NASA. Atlantic Trampolines are proud to be a Change4Life national partner, helping the UK population by promoting healthier lifestyles. More information can be found at www.atlantictrampolines.co.uk/change4life